Method of combining full contact sports with ball games

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an interactive game playable by a viewer/player over a communication network; said game including recorded video imagery captured within a dedicated recording and data transmission facility of interactions between two opposing teams of players; said teams of players striving for a winning outcome which includes moving a game object into an opposing team&#39;s designated goal area; said viewer/player enabled to vary aspects of said game via an input device interacting with a computer system of said facility to select alternative said recorded video imagery. 
     Also disclosed is a method of gaining advantage in a game played for digital recording and transmission to storage media or an electronic communication network; said game played before one or more video recording devices between two or more teams of opposing players; said method including causing disqualification from play of said game of one or more opposing players by incapacitating said one or more opposing players.

BACKGROUND

Ball games are a common in the art as are full contact sports such aswrestling and boxing. One popular element of ball games is theexcitement surrounding exchanges between team members in the heat ofcompetition that involve acts of antagonism and aggression that are notpart of the rules of the game but add excitement to the event.

Full contact sports such as wrestling and boxing are not commonly teamsports and do not commonly attract the same kind of audience andparticipants as so ball sports such as football or hockey.

The described invention is designed to address these limitations bycombining the goal oriented point scoring system of a ball game with theinterpersonal confrontation of full contact sport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided agame for play between two or more opposing teams of players wherein awinning outcome is determined by at least a play object entering anopposing team's designated goal area of a playing field; said gameincluding players incapacitating opposing players for predeterminedperiods during play of said game.

Preferably said incapacitating includes restraining a said opposingplayer in an inactive state for a predetermined time.

Preferably said incapacitating includes causing an opposing player asufficient degree of discomfort so as to induce said opposing player toadmit defeat.

Preferably said incapacitating includes inducing a loss of consciousnessin an opposing player.

Preferably an incapacitating event causes an incapacitated player to bedisqualified from participating in said game for a predetermined period;said predetermined period a function of the method wherebyincapacitation was induced.

Preferably defence of a said designated goal area includes use ofnon-lethal obstructive implements.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method ofplay of a game between two or more opposing teams of players; a winningoutcome of said game determined by credits gained by entry of a gameobject into an opposing team's designated goal area; said game includingphysically incapacitating opposing players so as to disqualify anincapacitated player from participating in said game for a predeterminedperiod.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a methodof gaining advantage in a game played between two or more teams ofopposing players; said method including causing disqualification fromplay of said game of one or more opposing players by incapacitating saidone or more opposing players.

Preferably a winning outcome of said game is a function of creditsobtained by a game object or a player with a game object entering anopposing team's designated goal area.

Preferably said incapacitating said one or more opposing playersincludes physically restraining a said opposing player in an inactivestate for a predetermined period.

Preferably incapacitating a said opposing player includes causingsufficient discomfort to said opposing player so as to induce saidopposing player to admit defeat.

Preferably a said discomfort includes discomfort from an injuryinflicted according to actions sanctioned in any one of a number ofmartial art disciplines.

Preferably incapacitating a said opposing player includes inducing astate of unconsciousness in said opposing player.

Preferably an incapacitating of a said opposing player leads to adisqualification of said opposing player from participation in said gamefor a predetermined period.

Preferably said predetermined period is a function of the manner inwhich said incapacitation was induced.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gamefor digital recording and dissemination over an electronic communicationnetwork; said game including play between two or more opposing teams ofplayers wherein a winning outcome is determined by at least a playobject entering an opposing team's designated goal area of a playingfield; said game including players incapacitating opposing players forpredetermined periods during play of said game.

Preferably said digital recording includes use of one or more videorecording devices; images of said game captured by said video recordingdevices transmitted to storage media or to said electronic communicationnetwork.

Preferably said digital recording includes alternative outcomes ofinteractions between opposing players; said alternative outcomesselectable by a viewer/player of said game.

Preferably said incapacitating includes restraining a said opposingplayer in an inactive state for a predetermined time.

Preferably said incapacitating includes causing an opposing player asufficient degree of discomfort so as to induce said opposing player toadmit defeat.

Preferably said incapacitating includes inducing a loss of consciousnessin an opposing player.

Preferably an incapacitating event causes an incapacitated player to bedisqualified from participating in said game for a predetermined period;said predetermined period a function of the method wherebyincapacitation was induced.

Preferably defence of a said designated goal area includes use ofnon-lethal obstructive implements.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided aninteractive game playable by a viewer/player over a communicationnetwork; said game including recorded video imagery captured within adedicated recording and data transmission facility of interactionsbetween two opposing teams of players; said teams of players strivingfor a winning outcome which includes moving a game object into anopposing team's designated goal area; said viewer/player enabled to varyaspects of said game via an input device interacting with a computersystem of said facility to select alternative said recorded videoimagery.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a methodof play of a game for digital recording and transmission to storagemedia or an electronic communication network; said game played beforeone or more video recording devices between two or more opposing teamsof players; a winning outcome of said game determined by credits gainedby entry of a game object into an opposing team's designated goal area;said game including physically incapacitating opposing players so as todisqualify an incapacitated player from participating in said game for apredetermined period.

In yet a further broad form of the invention is provided a method ofgaining advantage in a game played for digital recording andtransmission to storage media or an electronic communication network;said game played before one or more video recording devices between twoor more teams of opposing players; said method including causingdisqualification from play of said game of one or more opposing playersby incapacitating said one or more opposing players.

Preferably a winning outcome of said game is a function of creditsobtained by a game object or a player with a game object entering anopposing team's designated goal area.

Preferably said incapacitating said one or more opposing playersincludes physically restraining a said opposing player in an inactivestate for a predetermined period.

Preferably incapacitating a said opposing player includes causingsufficient discomfort to said opposing player so as to induce saidopposing player to admit defeat.

Preferably a said discomfort includes discomfort from an injuryinflicted according to actions sanctioned in any one of a number ofmartial art disciplines.

Preferably incapacitating a said opposing player includes inducing astate of unconsciousness in said opposing player.

Preferably an incapacitating of a said opposing player leads to adisqualification of said opposing player from participation in said gamefor a predetermined period.

Preferably said predetermined period is a function of the manner inwhich said incapacitation was induced.

In a particular preferred form media are programmed with instructionsfor execution on a digital computer to give effect to the methoddescribed in any paragraph above.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates examples of methods of restraining or disablingopponent players in a game according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a portion of the example game of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 3 and 4 show preferred embodiments of a game played in a gamerecording and dissemination facility.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

In the example embodiment of the invention there is a key element of thesport that make the invention unique. While the aim of the game is toscore goals by putting a ball or a person with a ball into the goal ofthe opposing team, a secondary aim and strategic goal is to disable orrestrain members of the opposite team by means of the use of martialarts or full contact sport techniques. A member of the opposing team canbe disabled by having the opposing team member admit defeat, or by usinga wrestling hold that will make them pass out. As a result the opposingteam will lose the player from their team for a fixed period of timegiving the opposing team a distinct disadvantage.

FIG. 1 discloses three examples of ways that can be used to restrain ordisable a player leading to their disqualification from playing for apredetermined period of time.

In the first example 10 a player from the opposing team 14 has been heldin a disabled position by a player 15 for a predetermined length of time13 leading to the players disqualification for a predetermined period oftime and giving the opposing team a disadvantage in numbers of playersduring that period.

In the second example 11 a player from the opposing team 17 has beenplaced in a hold by another player 16 that is causing pain to the player17. As the pain increases the player 17 admits defeat and signals thatdefeat by tapping 18 on the floor. This gives the opposing team adisadvantage in numbers of players during the disqualification period.

In the third example 12 a player from the opposing team 20 has beenplaced in a strangle hold by another player 19 that has caused theplayer 20 to pass out. The player 20 is subsequently disqualified for apredetermined period of time. This gives the opposing team adisadvantage in numbers of players during the disqualification period.

FIG. 2 shows the other key element of the game which is the traditionalpoint scoring that is the result of putting a ball 33 or a person with aball into a goal 30. The unique element of the invention is the addeddifficulty of trying to score points while dealing with the possibilityof attack from opposing team members who are allowed to use martial artand full contact sport techniques to stop the player 32. In this exampleembodiment the goal keeper 31 defends the goal with the use of adefensive device 34 that is not necessarily intrinsic to the claimedinvention.

FIG. 3 discloses an example of the positions of players at thecommencement of play and also illustrates the advantage in playernumbers to a team that has been able to disable two players from theopposing team.

The example embodiment comprises a floor plan 40, where a team 41 andopposing team 42 are positioned at opposite ends of the floor. Each team41, 42 has their own respective goals 43, 44 which they attempt todefend.

In this representation each team has four players 45 represented bycircles. Three of these players can play anywhere on the floor and oneplayer is reserved for protecting the goals 43, 44.

This representation of the example embodiment also discloses to playerlocation 46, 47 that do not have players because they have beendisqualified from play under the guidelines of the game explained inFIG. 1.

Alternative Embodiments

The described embodiment includes timed restraint, passing out, andadmission of defeat as methods of disqualification forcing a reductionin the number of players for that team. An alternative embodiment coulduse any full contact or martial arts technique for restraining orlimiting the player as a means of disqualifying that player for a periodof time.

The described embodiment discloses a five man team and two goals. Analternative embodiment could use any number of team players over two perside. An alternative embodiment could use anything more than two teamsin a game and use any configuration of floor plan, goal design, balldesign or throw-able device.

Preferred Embodiment

In a preferred embodiment, the game is embedded in a system comprisingdigital recording facilities and infrastructure for dissemination ofcaptured imagery and audio over an electronic communication network.That is, in this embodiment, the game is played only within a dedicatedrecording and data transmission facility. In this sense, the facilitycomprises in effect a gaming machine within which the rules of the gameas described above are implemented.

As shown in FIG. 3, digital video cameras 50, preferably mounted onservomotor controlled articulated support elements (not shown), are partof a larger array of video recording devices (not shown) adapted tocapture the overall game, (a portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 2)and also provide close-up images of game highlights such as restrainingactions by players 10 and 20. Captured imagery and audio are processedby central processing units of a computer system 52 and may be stored ona database 54 of the system.

The recording and dissemination system may thus record and store a gameplayed for later transmission over a distributed communication network56, or may transmit the game action live. Transmission may be by anyknown means. Thus imagery and audio may be sent to subscribers' orviewers' display devices 58 over the internet, mobile phone networks orvia cable. In at least one form of this embodiment, the game may bepresented “on demand”, that is, a viewer or subscriber may view arecorded game at a time of the their choosing.

In a further arrangement, the game may be recorded in a fragmented form.That is, various alternative scenarios and outcomes may be enacted bythe players of the game in accordance with the game rules and stored onthe database. In this way various forms of the game may be madeavailable as an interactive game in which the user or subscribing viewerbecomes, in effect, a viewer/player of the game. In this arrangementillustrated in FIG. 4, the viewer/player 60 may, by means of an inputdevice 62, for example select a “favourite” team, player or players aswell as game objects to vary the probability of, or achieve differentgame outcomes. Recorded game scenarios may include for example,alternative outcomes for interactions between two opposing players, withthe player of one team winning in one “take” and the player of theopposing team winning in a second take.

Interactivity between a viewer/player and the game system can furtherinclude the selection of different viewing aspects. That is theviewer/player may select from a number of possible cameras and zoom inor out through a camera control panel displayed on a section of theviewer/player's display device 58. Interactivity

In a further embodiment, the viewer/player may have the facility toplace wagers on a game outcome

In Use

The following is an example of rules of the game to be recorded anddisseminated by the system of the invention. The rules are couchedwithin the context of national and supranational game playingassociations.

Specific Game Rules Contents

CONTENTS (Before you play Footbrawl) Page 3 (Article 1. Purpose) Page 4(Article 2. Application) Page 4 (Article 3. Competition Arena) Page 4(Article 4. Teams and Players) Page 6 (Article 5. Age Groups/GenderCategories/Team Classification) Page 7 (Article 6. Weight Divisions)Page 8 (Article 7. Classification and Methods of Competition) Page 8(Article 8. Duration of Contest) Page 8 (Article 9. Drawing of Lots)Page 9 (Article 10. Weigh-in) Page 9 (Article 11. Procedure of theContest) Page 9 (Article 12. Permitted Techniques and Areas) Page 11(Article 13. Scoring) Page 11 (Article 14. Game Statistics &Publication) Page 12 (Article 15. Prohibited acts and Penalties) Page 12(Article 16. Substitutions) Page 13 (Article 17. Tied Score-SuddenDeath) Page 13 (Article 18. Decisions) Page 13 (Article 19. Tap Out andTKO) Page 14 (Article 20. Procedure in the event of a Tap Out or TKO)Page 14 (Article 21. Procedures for suspending the game) Page 14(Article 22. Refereeing & Umpiring Officials) Page 14 (Article 23Medical Support and Procedures) Page 15 (Article 24. Disciplinary Board)Page 16 (Article 25. Recorder) Page 16 (Article 26. Video Replay) Page16 (Article 27. Assignment of Refereeing Officials) Page 16 (Article 28.Other matters not specified in the Rules) Page 16 (Article 29.Arbitration and Sanction) Page 17 (Appendix b.) Specification forFootbrawl Competition Equipment Page 19 (Appendix b.) Brawler Bo Page 20(Appendix a) Footbrawl Arena Page 212Before you play the game:

To play Footbrawl the player must first sign a player agreement statingthat the player is

-   a) Sign a PAR Q document stating that they are in good health.-   b) Also that he/she has partaken of the WFF approved training course    at a WFF approved training centre.-   c) Signed the player waiver document.-   d) Be a financial member of the national Footbrawl association of    the participating country.-   e) Acquire insurance from the national Footbrawl association of the    participating country.

Object of the Game:

To put the ball in the net as many times as you can. Either by kickingthe ball, throwing the ball or picking up the person who has the balland throw them through the net. Highest score wins. (minus anydeductions) Goals are worth 2 points each. In the event of a draw,sudden death will result in the winner, in other words first to scorewill win.

Spirit of the Game:

The game should be played in a spirit of respect, control andsportsmanship.

Footbrawl was first designed as a training aid for martial arts peopleand evolved into a stand alone sport. Having said that, Footbrawl allowsanyone to play who has completed an WFF approved training course. Butthe underlying principle is to test your self in a realistic situation.Because the rules include attacks and defense of multiple opponents,self- discipline must be exercised so the participants must adhere tothe code of conducts handed down by the WFF. Discipline is enforced withharsh penalties for deliberate infringements of the rules.

Who can play Footbrawl?

Anyone can play Footbrawl provided he/she has fulfilled a,b,c,d & e.

Competition Rules & Interpretation Article 1. Purpose

The purpose of the Competition Rules is to manage fairly and smoothlyall matters pertaining to competitions of all levels to be promotedand/or organized by the W.F.F, Regional Unions and member NationalAssociations, ensuring the application of standardized rules.

Article 2. Application

The Competition Rules shall apply to all the competitions to be promotedand/or organized by the WFF, each Regional Union and member NationalAssociation. However, any member National Association wishing to modifysome any part of the Competition Rules must first gain the approval ofthe WFF.

Article 3. Competition Arena

The Competition Area shall comprise Contest Arena measured 28 m×12 m(for Seniors) and 20 m×10 m (for juniors) in metric system and have aflat surface without any obstructing projections. The Contest Arenashall be covered with matting at a minimum of 30 millimeters thick. Aprotective barrier of 1 meter shall be erected to surround the ContestArena. In total shall be known as the Competition Arena or the Arena.

1. Demarcation of the Contest Arena (see Appendix a.)

-   1) The 28 m×12 m area shall be called the Contest Arena, and a line    1 m wide using different color shall be marked on the inside from    the marginal line of the Contest Arena to call the attention of the    Players not to cross the Protective Barrier Boundary line.-   2) The demarcation of the Contest Arena and the Barrier Area shall    be distinguished by the different colors of the two area's surface,    or indicated by a white line 5 cm wide when the entire surface is    one color.-   3) The demarcating line between the Contest Arena and the Barrier    Area shall be protected by padded barriers approximately 50 cm to 1    meter high.

2. Indication of Positions

-   1) Position of the Referee

The position of the Referee shall be marked at the half way line of theArena. See appendix -a)

-   2) Position of the Umpire

The position of the 1 Umpire shall be marked at a point 0.5 m outwardsfrom the center of the 1 Boundary Line facing towards the center pointof the Contest Arena and the position of the 2 Umpire shall be marked0.5 m outwards from the bottom corner of the 2 Boundary Line facing thecenter of the Contest Arena. The position of the 3 Umpire shall bemarked at the opposite point of the 4 Boundary Line with e position ofthe 2 Umpire.

-   3) Position of the Score Keeper

The position of the Recorder shall be marked at a point more than 2 mback from the position of the 1 Umpire.

-   4) Position of the Commission Doctor

The position of the Commission Doctor shall be marked at a point morethan 2 m to the right side from the Boundary Line.

-   5) Position of the Players

The position of the Players shall be marked at a point 1 m to therespective left and right sides from the center point of the ContestArena facing towards the position of the opposing goals. The right sideshall be the Blue Team's Mark and the left side shall be the Red Team'sMark. Position will be reversed at the end of each quarter.

-   6) Position of the Coaches & Reserves

The position of the Coaches shall be marked at a point 1 m away from theBoundary Line in line with the wing starting position.

-   7) Position of the Inspection Desk

The position of the Inspection Desk shall be near the entrance of theCompetition Area for inspection of the Players' protective equipment

Article 4. Teams and Players 1. Qualification of Contestant

-   1) Holder of the nationality of the participating team-   2) One recommended by the national Footbrawl Association-   3) Holder of Footbrawl Level issued by the National Footbrawl    Association/WFF.

2. The Costume for Players

-   1) The contestant shall wear a Footbrawl Jersey (WFF Approved) and    protectors recognized by the WFF.-   2) The contestant shall wear the Jersey, trunk protector, head    protector, groin guard, forearm and shin guards and mouthpiece    before entering the Contest Arena, and the groin guard, forearm and    shin guards shall be worn inside the Footbrawl uniform, and the    contestant shall bring the WFF-approved protectors for personal use.    Wear of any other items on the head other than head protector shall    not be permitted.-   3) See specification Sheet for Competition Equipment

3. Teams

-   a. For both Senior and Junior Teams will be made up of five players    per team.-   b. Each team will include the following positions marked in    appendix a. for Senior teams.-   Position 1. Forward-   Position 2. Centre-   Position 3 & 4. Wings-   Position 5. Goalie-   c. Each team will have the goalie equipped one padded weapon. These    weapons may be changed or added to by the WFF as it sees fit. E.g.    “The Brawler BO”-   i. Adult “Brawler BO” for Seniors (as stipulated by the WFF)

See specification sheet for Competition Equipment.

-   ii. The goalies will be given a choice of what weapon or size of    weapon they may use.

3. Medical Control

-   1) At the Footbrawl events promoted or sanctioned by the WFF, any    use or administration of drugs or chemical substances described in    the WFF Anti-doping by-laws is prohibited. However, the IOC    Anti-doping by-laws shall be applied to the Footbrawl competition of    Olympic Games and other multi-sports Games.-   2) The WFF may carry our any medical testing deemed necessary to    ascertain if a contestant has committed a breach of this rule, and    any winner who refuses to undergo this testing or who proves to have    committed such a breach shall be removed from the competition-   3) The Organizing Committee shall be liable for arrangements to    carry out medical testing.-   4) The details of the WFF Anti-Doping Regulation shall be enacted as    part of the by-laws.

Article 5). Age Groups And Gender Categories

Senior Competitions (16 years up) will be carried out using thefollowing age group categories. Age is determined by the date of birthat the time of the game being played.

E.g. the player is entered as an under 17 team member, he/she must be 16years old at maximum at the time of the event. Mixed teams (male andfemale in the same team) are to be not allowed in these age categories.

Male and Female teams will be catered for in the below categories.Please see junior competition rules for further explanation.

Under 13 years old And below.

Classification of Teams

All of the above can be divided into “Extreme Division” and “WarriorClass” grade teams. Teams with more than 10 league games experience.i.e. games conducted as part of the regional, state, national,international leagues will be known as “Extreme Division”. Teams withless than 10 games will be known as “Warrior Class”.

Professional Team rules and classes will be listed in the ProfessionalFootbrawl Competition Rules.

Article 6. Weight Division

-   1. Weights are divided into male and female (senior) divisions.-   2. Weight divisions are only used for “Extreme Division” Footbrawl    Teams as sanctioned by the WFF.-   3. Weight divisions are basically divided as follows;-   Weight category Male division Female division-   Light Not exceeding 67kg Not exceeding 55 kg-   Middle Over 67 kg &-   Not exceeding 84 kg-   Over 55 kg &-   Not exceeding 67 kg-   Heavy Over 84 kg Over 67 kg-   Weight division will come into effect when players reach 18 years    old.

Article 7. Classification and Methods of Competition

-   1. Competitions are divided as follows.-   2. Systems of competition are divided as follows.-   1) Single elimination tournament system-   2) Round robin system-   3. International Footbrawl competition shall be conducted in round    robin competition system between Teams.-   4. All International-level competitions recognized by the WFF shall    be formed with participation of at least 4 countries.-   5. Countries can enter multiple teams if excepted by the WFF

Article 8. Duration of Contest

The duration of the contest shall be four rounds of two minutes each,with a one-minute rest period between rounds. Except half time with a 2minute rest

In case of a tie score after the completion of the 4 round, a 5 round oftwo minutes will be conducted as the sudden death overtime round, aftera three-minute rest period following the 4 round. Finals will be 2minutes 40 second rounds.

Article 9. Drawing of Lots

-   1. The drawing of lots shall be conducted one day prior to the first    competition in the presence of the WFF officials and the    representatives of the participating nations, and the drawing of    lots shall be done from English alphabetical order of the official    names of the participating nations.-   2. Officials shall be designated to draw lots on behalf of the    officials of participating nations not present at the drawing.-   3. The order of the draw may be changed according to the decision of    the Head of Team meeting or as stipulated by the competition    committee.

Article 10. Weigh-In

The weigh shall be completed on the previous day of the competition.

Article 11. Procedure of the Contest 1. Call for Teams

The name of the Team shall be announced three times beginning threeminutes prior to the scheduled start of the contest. The contestant whofails to appear in the Contest Arena within five minute after thescheduled start of the competition shall be regarded as withdrawn.

2. Physical and Costume Inspection

After being called, the Team shall undergo physical and costumeinspection at the designated inspection desk by the marshal designatedby the WFF, and the contestant shall not show any signs of aversion, andalso shall not bear any materials which may cause harm to the othercontestant.

3. Entering Competition Area

After inspection, the contestant shall enter into the waiting position(warm up area) with one coach and an assistant are permitted.

4. Start and End of the Contest

The contest in each round shall begin with the sound of the startershorn and shall end with the sound of the Starters Horn. The game is notover until the ball is grounded or has been put out of bounds.

5. Procedure before the Beginning and after the End of the Game

-   1) The Team shall face each other and make a standing bow at the    referee's command of “attention” and “bow”. A standing bow shall be    made from the natural standing posture of “Attention Position” by    bending the waist at an angle of more than 30 degrees with the head    inclined to an angle more than 45 degrees and the hands at the sides    of the legs.-   2) The referee shall start the contest by commanding “ready” and    then throw the ball in the air at the centre line of the Footbrawl    arena. When the ball is in the air the Starter will then blow his    horn. The ball will then be considered in play.-   3) Dead Ball.

If the ball is dead(i.e. the ball is in a stagnant position) the refereecan elect at his discretion to restart the game from the position theball became dead. Dead ball is totally a referee decision.

-   3) After the end of the last round, the Teams shall stand at their    respective positions facing each other and exchange a standing bow    at the referee's command of “bow”. The losing team shall bow first,    followed by the winning team.-   4) The referee shall declare the winner by raising his/her own hand    to the winner's side.-   5) Retirement of the Teams.-   6) Leaving the Footbrawl Arena.

The teams must leave the Footbrawl Arena in an orderly fashion.

-   7) Re-commencement & Stopping the Game. Upon a referee blowing his    whistle the game must immediately stop and all physical    confrontations anywhere on the field must also stop and reset to    their original positions, unless directed by the referee.

Article 12. Permitted Techniques and Areas

1.

Any strike to the body protector is allowed. Punches, palm, kicks,knees, elbows, forearms strikes are to trunk only.

2.

Submission Techniques

-   a. Arm locks-   b. Leg locks-   c. Strangles (vascular restraint)-   d. Chokes

2. Throwing is Allowed:

-   a. Hip throw-   b. Shoulder throw-   c. Sacrifice throw-   d. Stomach throw-   e. Firemans Throw-   f. Reeping and Sweeping-   g. Tripping    3. The player who has the possession of the “Brawler BO” (the    Goalie) shall be able use the padded weapon to strike the following    areas:-   a. Head-   b. Body-   c. Legs    4. Use of legal techniques;-   a. All players can strike any of the opposing team players when the    ball is in play.-   b. There is no restriction on who you attack or when, only that the    techniques are legal.

The Goalie may strike any player on the opposing team at any time. Hemay strike a player either standing or on the ground. {Footbrawl has abroad spectrum of techniques available in play and as such is not to betaken lightly. The game officials, player and spectators are to behavein a Martial Arts spirit and in a sportsman like fashion at all times.}

Article 13. Scoring

To score a goal (2 points) in Footbrawl you must put the ball in thenet. You can do this by;

-   1. throwing the ball in the net,-   2. kicking the ball in the net-   3. pick-up the person who has the ball and throw them through the    net-   4. Put the ball in the net in any way-   5. Invalidation of points: When a contestant performs an attack to    score through the use of the prohibited acts, the points scored    shall be annulled.

Article 14. Game Statistics & Publication

-   1. Valid points shall be immediately recorded and publicized.-   2. Statistics shall be made available at the appropriate Web Site.    Article 15. Prohibited acts and Penalties

Basically there are two types of penalties.

A; RED Cards B; YELLOW Cards

-   1. Dismissal of Player. (RED Card- minus 2 points) If one team has 2    red cards in any competition the offending team will be disqualified    from the competition. The following is a list of offenses that are    illegal in Footbrawl.-   a) Deliberately attacking the face.(RED Card) (The Goalie my attack    the face with footbrawl approved padded weapon)-   b) Deliberately attacking a fallen opponent with strikes    anywhere.(RED Card) Either kicks or punches-   (Exception if both players are on the ground hand techniques are    permitted.) Both knees must be on the ground to strike or body    contacting the matt.-   c) Deliberately attacking the spine. (RED Card)-   d) Deliberately attacking the groin region. (RED Card)-   e) Deliberately applying neck, wrist, ankle or finger locks-   f) Deliberately grabbing the hair-   g) Deliberately striking the neck-   h) Deliberately tackling the neck-   i) Deliberately head butting-   j) Deliberately biting-   k) Deliberately using the hand to grab the wind pipe-   l) Deliberately attacking the legs (sweeps allowed, this includes    spinning leg sweep but his sweep must only be executed on a    stationary opponent)-   m) Spear Tackle or any throw that results in the player landing head    first on the matt.)(RED Card)-   n) Attacking after the whistle has blown. (1 point deduction)-   o) Two players strangling and/or choking another. This will be given    a red card to both offenders thus putting them out of the game and    giving their team a deduction of 2 points each (4 points). Players    may be substituted.-   p) The players may not jump onto anyone on the ground-   q) The Goalie may not jump on anyone using the “Brawler BO” to    attack if the other players are on the ground.

If there is any query as to valid techniques or strikes the “pad only”rule shall apply, that is, that any strike off the pad is illegal andtherefore will attract penalties.

2. Warning YELLOW Card

-   a. YELLOW Card is a warning by the referee for the player to show    more care in play and usually means an accidental illegal strike has    occurred.-   b. Misconduct (YELLOW Card)

Deliberate use of bad language (1 point deduction)

-   i. Abusing any player (1 point deduction)-   ii. Abusing referee (1 point deduction)-   iii. Any act or gesture to anyone used to denigrate a player,    official, or spectator. (1 point deduction) Note second offence    attracts a RED Card penalty in any one game.

Article 16. Substitutions

-   1. Coaches can substitute players at their discretion, but are    limited to 3 player substitutions per game.

There are time limits for the exchanges.

-   a. Procedure for substitution-   i. The coach must hold his hand up to signal “substitution” to the    Chief Referee who will momentarily stop the game.-   ii. The substitution may take no more than 10 seconds. If more than    10 seconds the offending team will be penalized (YELLOW Card)-   iii. The game will then be re-commenced at the very positions on the    field held by the players at the time of the game being stopped.

Article 17. Tied Score-Sudden Death

-   1. In the event of a tied score after the completion of the 5 round,    the winner shall be decided by superiority of all refereeing    officials. The final decision shall be based on the initiative shown    during the 5th round.

Article 18. Decisions

-   1. Win by highest score only (includes deductions and invalid    points) However the margin of superiority must be 2 points. E.g. if    both teams are 6 points and the one team (having received a YELLOW    Card) is deducted 1 point the decision will be sudden death    play-off. But if both teams are 6 points each and one team has    received two YELLOW Cards that will result in a loss for that team.

Article 19. Tap Out and TKO (BLUE Card)

If a player is submitted by a legal technique he/she will receive a BLUEcard. The BLUE Card means that the player will be forced to leave theFootbrawl arena for forty seconds of play time. This will mean that theplayer BLUE Carded will not be able to play or be substituted for theforty second period and have one man less for that time frame. Theplayer can be substituted after the 40 second period has lapsed ifrequired by the coach.

If the player is struck by a legal technique and cannot continue thereferee must give the player a standing 10 count and the player must beable to continue willingly.

Article 20. Procedure in the event of a Tap Out or TKO

If tapped out the referee will hold up a BLUE Card and blow his whistleto stop the game. The player with the BLUE Card will then leave the mattand be side lined. The game will be re-started back to the originalstarting positions with one man less. Time out cannot be called at thetime of tap-out or TKO

Article 21. Procedures for suspending the game (Time Out)

Only 3 time outs can be called during the game by each coach theparticular of team, only 30 seconds is allowed. Possession of the ballis given to the team who has possession prior to the “Time Out signal”

Article 22. Refereeing & Umpire Officials 1. Qualifications

Holders of International Referee Certificate registered by the WFF. Allreferees must have the appropriate WFF qualification. E.g. Level 1referee minimum for regional games. Level 2 for National Championships.The Head Referee must be accorded the same respect a Master Instructorwould at all times. He or she shall be addressed as “Sir”. The refereesare to be independent and not to be associated with any of the teamsparticipating.

2. Referees

There are 3 referees per game.

-   a. One Chief referee who follows the ball and is responsible for the    proper conduct of the game and has power to direct the assistant    referees and players on the field.-   b. Two assistant referees to police spontaneous combat situations as    they happen. The Court will be divided into halves and 1 referee    will be responsible for 1 half.    3. Four umpires will be at each end of the arena to spot submission    attempts and breaches of the rules. Their job is to;-   a. draw the attention of the closest referee to the attempt or    breach, and to make sure the referees decision is carried out.-   b. Validate scores (goals) as they occur.-   c. The Umpire shall mark the valid points immediately.-   d. The Umpire shall state their opinions forthrightly when requested    by the referee.

3. Responsibilities for Umpire

Decisions made by the referees and umpire shall be conclusive and theyshall be responsible to the Board of Arbitration for those decisions. Ifdeemed by the Chief Referee video footage may be require to review goalsif in question.

4. Uniform and Equipment of the Refereeing/Umpire Officials

-   1) The referees and Umpire shall wear the uniform designated by the    WFF.-   a. Have on their person a whistle-   b. Have on their person RED, YELLOW, BLUE Cards.-   c. Umpires to have on their person 2 flags-   i) White Flag—Goal verification-   ii) Red Flag—Submission attempt or possible TKO-   2) The refereeing/umpire officials shall not carry or take any    materials to the arena which might interfere with the contest.

Article 23 Medical Support and Procedures

-   1. Ambulance/medical staff/Doctors shall be available at all WFF    Footbrawl competitions and will be positioned according to    appendix a. When called for by the Chief Referee, the medical staff    shall attend the Footbrawl arena.-   2. Procedure for Blood Spillage

Small spots of blood or small spills

-   -   Gloves and eye protection should be worn    -   Contamination should be wiped up with paper towels soaked in        freshly prepared hypochlorite solution (Milton or chlorine        releasing tablets) containing 10,000 ppm (1%) available        chlorine.    -   If broken glass is present, first treat the spillage with        hypochlorite, then carefully remove the pieces of glass with        disposable forceps or scoop to a sharps bin, before wiping up as        above.    -   Towels and gloves should be disposed of in a yellow clinical        waste bag for incineration (or an autoclave bag if in a        laboratory).    -   Hands must be washed following clearing up.

Article 24. Disciplinary Board

Deliberate infringement of the above rules who inflict physical damageto the player will result in suspension for a time seen fit by the WFFDisciplinary board. Physical damage is defined as a break, dislocationor head/facial injury drawing blood. 6 months suspension will be thestarting point for deliberation.

Deliberate infringement not resulting in physical damage may attract aconference decision to be jointly made by the 3 Referees. Ranging from 1game suspension to 3 months suspension. The “3 strikes your out” methodapplies to players who break the rules 3 times. One year suspension willbe mandatory. That player will not be able to play Footbrawl unlessgiven leave by the WFF disciplinary board. However he/she may have theright of appeal.

Article 25. Recorder

The recorder shall time the contest and periods of time-out, suspension,and also shall record and publicize the awarded points, and/or deductionof points. The recorder will also be responsible for noting playerstatistics.

Article 26. Video Replay

If requested by the Chief Referee, video footage may be replayed toobtain an objective decision. The video replay is the responsibility ofthe Game Coordinator.

Article 27. Assignment of Refereeing Officials 1. Assignment ofRefereeing Officials

-   1) The assignment of the referees and Umpire shall be made after the    contest schedule is fixed.-   2) Referees and Umpire with the same nationality as that of either    team shall not be assigned to such a contest. However, an exception    shall be made for this if deemed necessary.-   3) State/regional and National competitions shall regulate    themselves according to the national Footbrawl association of that    country.

Article 28. Other Matters Not Specified in the Rules

In the case that any matters not specified in the Rules occur, theyshall be dealt with as follows.

-   1. Matters related to the competition shall be decided through    consensus by the refereeing officials of the pertinent contest.-   2. Matters not related to the specific contest shall be decided by    the Executive Council or its proxy.-   3. The Organizing Committee shall prepare a video tape recorder at    each court for recording and preservation of the game process and to    be used as necessary if play-back is required by the Chief Referee.

Article 29. Arbitration and Sanction 1. Composition of the Board ofArbitration

-   a. WFF Technical Director-   b. Chief Referee-   c. One or both referees    2. Responsibility: The Board of Arbitration shall make corrections    of misumpirement according to their decision regarding protests and    take disciplinary action against the officials committing the    misumpirement or any illegal behavior and the results of which shall    be sent to the Secretariat of the WFF. The Board of Arbitration    shall also be entitled the Extraordinary Committee of Sanction    concurrently at the competition for the matters in relation to    competition management.

3. Procedure of Protest

-   1) In case there is an objection to a referee umpirement, an    official delegate of the team must submit an application for    re-evaluation of decision (protest application) together with the    prescribed fee to the Board of Arbitration within 10 minutes after    pertinent contest.-   2) Deliberation of re-evaluation shall be carried out excluding    those members with the same nationality as that of either contestant    concerned, and resolution on deliberation shall be made by majority.-   3) The members of the Board of Arbitration may summon the refereeing    officials for confirmation of events.-   4) The resolution made by the Board of Arbitration will be final and    no further means of appeal will be applied.

3. Procedure of Sanction

-   1) The WFF President or Secretary General (in case of their absence,    the Technical Delegate) may request the Extraordinary Committee of    Sanction for deliberation when any of the following behaviors are    committed by a coach or a contestant.-   a. Interfering with the management of contest-   b. Stirring up the spectators or spreading false rumor-   2) When umpired unreasonable, the Extraordinary Committee of    Sanction shall deliberate over the matter and take disciplinary    action immediately. The result of deliberation shall be announced to    the public and reported to the WFF Secretariat afterwards.-   3) The Extraordinary Committee of Sanction may summon the person    concerned for confirmation of events.

Appendix b.) Specification for Footbrawl Competition Equipment

-   1). Arena Matting is to be-   a. 28 meters by 12 meters-   b. Minimum 30 millimeters thick-   2). Goals are 1.7meters high by 1.4 meters wide at inside edge. The    structure is to be comprised of tubular aluminum or PVC, 90-100    millimeters thick with a a protective foam padding (4 cm thick)    covered with vinyl.-   3). Protective equipment for players-   a. Footbrawl Jersey (WFF Approved padded Jersey)-   b. WFF approved body Armor-   c. WFF approved groin guard-   d. WFF approved arm guards*-   e. WFF approved shin protectors*-   f. WFF approved gloves*.-   g. WFF approved head gear-   h. WFF approved mouth guard-   i. WFF approved padded shorts*-   * denotes that this gear is optional, =denotes exception for this    rule if goalie.-   4). “Brawler BO”—Padded weapon for use in Senior Games Must be    approved WFF design and size. Construction—-   1. Shaft made from Stainless steal alloy-   2. Inner sheath made of poly-proplylene-   3. Outer sheath made from medium density foam-   5). Outer Arena Protective Barrier-   a. Made from low density foam covered with vinyl-   b. Size- at least 0.5 meter high-   c. May be triangular or square in shape.

1. A game for play between two or more opposing teams of players whereina winning outcome is determined by at least a play object entering anopposing team's designated goal area of a playing field; said gameincluding players incapacitating opposing players for predeterminedperiods during play of said game.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein saidincapacitating includes restraining a said opposing player in aninactive state for a predetermined time.
 3. The game of claim 1, whereinsaid incapacitating includes causing an opposing player a sufficientdegree of discomfort so as to induce said opposing player to admitdefeat.
 4. The game of claim 1, wherein said incapacitating includesinducing a loss of consciousness in an opposing player.
 5. The game ofclaim 1, wherein an incapacitating event causes an incapacitated playerto be disqualified from participating in said game for a predeterminedperiod; said predetermined period a function of the method wherebyincapacitation was induced.
 6. A method of gaining advantage in a gameplayed between two or more teams of opposing players; said methodincluding causing disqualification from play of said game of one or moreopposing players by incapacitating said one or more opposing players. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein a winning outcome of said game is afunction of credits obtained by a game object or a player with a gameobject entering an opposing team's designated goal area.
 8. The methodof claim 6, wherein said incapacitating said one or more opposingplayers includes physically restraining a said opposing player in aninactive state for a predetermined period.
 9. A game for digitalrecording and dissemination over an electronic communication network;said game including play between two or more opposing teams of playerswherein a winning outcome is determined by at least a play objectentering an opposing team's designated goal area of a playing field;said game including players incapacitating opposing players forpredetermined periods during play of said game.
 10. The game of claim 9,wherein said digital recording includes use of one or more videorecording devices; images of said game captured by said video recordingdevices transmitted to storage media or to said electronic communicationnetwork.
 11. The game of claim 9, wherein said digital recordingincludes alternative outcomes of interactions between opposing players;said alternative outcomes selectable by a viewer/player of said game.12. The game of claim 9, wherein said incapacitating includesrestraining a said opposing player in an inactive state for apredetermined time.
 13. An interactive game playable by a viewer/playerover a communication network; said game including recorded video imagerycaptured within a dedicated recording and data transmission facility ofinteractions between two opposing teams of players; said teams ofplayers striving for a winning outcome which includes moving a gameobject into an opposing team's designated goal area; said viewer/playerenabled to vary aspects of said game via an input device interactingwith a computer system of said facility to select alternative saidrecorded video imagery.
 14. A method of play of a game for digitalrecording and transmission to storage media or an electroniccommunication network; said game played before one or more videorecording devices between two or more opposing teams of players; awinning outcome of said game determined by credits gained by entry of agame object into an opposing team's designated goal area; said gameincluding physically incapacitating opposing players so as to disqualifyan incapacitated player from participating in said game for apredetermined period.
 15. A method of gaining advantage in a game playedfor digital recording and transmission to storage media or an electroniccommunication network; said game played before one or more videorecording devices between two or more teams of opposing players; saidmethod including causing disqualification from play of said game of oneor more opposing players by incapacitating said one or more opposingplayers.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a winning outcome of saidgame is a function of credits obtained by a game object or a player witha game object entering an opposing team's designated goal area.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein said incapacitating said one or moreopposing players includes physically restraining a said opposing playerin an inactive state for a predetermined period.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein incapacitating a said opposing player includes causingsufficient discomfort to said opposing player so as to induce saidopposing player to admit defeat.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein asaid discomfort includes discomfort from an injury inflicted accordingto actions sanctioned in any one of a number of martial art disciplines.20. Media programmed to effect the method of claims 6.